Saigon youth express themselves through hip hop

May 05, 2016 | 09:34

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Saigonese hip hop lovers gathered at a renovated military boot camp in downtown Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday evening to show off their hip hop moves.

The hip hop rendezvous took place at Station 3A in District 1, and was co-organized by the French Institute in Ho Chi Minh City and GiantStep Gallery.

Station 3A, once an abandoned military boot camp located on the riverside boulevard in the city's downtown area, was renovated in 2014 with the aim of becoming a go-to destination for youths seeking a creative, alternate entertainment space.

Hip hop dancers showed off their moves on a three-meter-square “dance floor” constructed by taping together nine hardwood cartons.

Young dancers took turns in the spotlight, performing moves ranging from different types of street dances including hip hop, ‘popping’, and breakdancing, drawing cheers from the audience which was back-grounded by graffiti art on the surrounding walls.

Drenched in sweat from his popping performance, 24-year-old Tran Thai Nam said all dancers at the station knew each other by face though the place was always filled with professionals and amateurs.

“I’ve been practicing hip hop for seven years now. Young hip hop lovers face off pretty regularly in dance battles, so we are all familiar with each other and dance our hearts out every time we meet,” Nam confessed.

Anne Nguyen, a French dancer and choreographer of Vietnamese origin, along with her crew from the par Terre Dance Company also gave a performance mingling hip hop with contemporary dance at the event.

“I hope youths in Saigon will draw inspiration from our presence and continue pursuing their passion with hip hop,” Anne Nguyen said.

Members of the par Terre Dance Company perform at the hip hop rendezvous at Station 3A in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City on May 3, 2016. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Two dancers improvise a performance at the hip hop rendezvous at Station 3A in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City on May 3, 2016. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Youths gather around an outdoor “dance floor” made of hardwood cartons to watch the performances at the hip hop rendezvous at Station 3A in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City on May 3, 2016. Photo:Tuoi Tre